Search for next Kangaroos coach continues

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The hunt for the next Kangaroos coach is far from over, with a number of decisions yet to be made on the specifics of the role before the next national team coach can be installed.

Following the departure of Tim Sheens earlier this month, a number of contenders have emerged for the vacant position, but it remains to be seen whether the next coach will mix club or state commitments with international duties.

Queensland Maroons coach Mal Meninga, Brisbane's Wayne Bennett, Melbourne's Craig Bellamy and Manly legend Geoff Toovey have all been linked with the role in certain parts of the media, but an ongoing report still needs to be finalised before any appointment can be made.

"We are in the process of completing a strategic review of the Kangaroos set-up and the high-performance program," an NRL spokesperson said.

"As part of that review we will consider the appropriate candidates for the coaching position.

"A number of elements still need to be considered, including whether the coach is a full-time Kangaroos coach or not.

"Following that process, the recommendations of the review will be considered by the Commission."

It will be the first time since the formation of the ARL Commission that a new national team coach has been appointed. Beginning his stint in 2009, Sheens enjoyed a highly successful tenure as coach of Australia, winning 26 of 31 Tests and claiming two Four Nations tournaments and the 2013 World Cup. But his six years in the top job came to an end when he opted to head to the UK to lead football operations at Super League outfit Salford.